Temperature control for washing machine



July 21, 1970 J. BOCHAN TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR WASHING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 26, 1968 INVENTOR. J'OHN BOCHAN Fl 6.. l Mu/ M ms ATTORNEY July 21, 1970 J. BOCHAN TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR WASHING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 26, 1968 INVENTOR.

J'OHN BQCHAN Wfl/M H \s ATTORNEY United States. Patent 3,521,470 TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR WASHING MACHINE John Bochan, Louisville, Ky., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Filed June 26, 1968, Ser. No. 740,325 Int. Cl. D06f 27/00, 33/02 US. Cl. 684 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A washing machine of the type adapted to wash two loads of fabrics simultaneously in separate solutions includes an outer tub to receive liquid and fabrics, an inner tub disposed within the outer tub to receive liquid and fabrics and a liquid inlet mechanism to deliver liquid into the inner tub until it is filled to a predetermined level and thereafter to direct the liquid into the outer tub. The machine also includes a temperature control for controlling the temperature of the liquid entering the machine, with the control having a first setting and a second setting. A liquid responsive switch is positioned to sense the entry of liquid into the outer tub and is connected to the temperature control for switching the control from the first to the second setting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to fabric washing machines of the type which are adapted to wash two separate loads of fabrics concurrently without intermingling the liquid used during the washing process. In applicants copending application Ser. No. 727,570, filed May 8, 1968, there is described and claimed a new and improved machine of this type in which a single liquid inlet system is used to fill both of the liquid and fabric receiving tubs. The present invention relates to this general type of machine and, more particularly, to such machines with controls whereby the temperature of the liquid provided to each tub can be selected and controlled independently of the temperature of the liquid provided to the other tub.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION By one form of the present invention there is provided, in a vertical axis washing machine, an outer, open top tub to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed in that liquid and an inner substantially imperforate, open top tub, disposed within the outer tub to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed in that liquid. Drive means is provided for effecting a washing action in the tubs and for rotating the tubs to centrifugally extract liquid from the fabrics. Liquid inlet means, including diverter means, is included for directing a stream of liquid into the inner tub until it is filled to a predetermined level and, thereafter, directing the stream of liquid into the other tub. There is control means for controlling the temperature of the liquid flowing through the inlet means. The control means has a first setting effective to provide liquid of a first temperature and a second setting effective to provide liquid of a wcond temperature. Liquid sensing means is positioned to sense the entry of liquid into the outer tub and the sensing means is connected to the control means to cause the control means to be switched from the first to the second setting in response to entry of liquid into the outer tub so that the temperature of the liquid provided in each tub is independently controlled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic partial side elevational view of a clothes washing machine incorporating one embodiment of the present invention, the view being partly "ice broken away and partly in section to illustrate details, and

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electrical control circuit for controlling the operation of the machine of FIG. 1, illustrating certain details of one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT ,Referring now particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown therein an agitator type clothes washing machine 1 having an outer, open top tub or receptacle 2 to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed in that liquid. The tub 2 includes a lower wall 3 and a generally cylindrical, upwardly extending side wall 4, the walls 3 and 4 being provided with a number of spaced perforations or openings 5. The tub 2 is positioned within an outer, imperforate casing 6 which defines a chamber 7 with the tub 2 mounted within the chamber so that, when liquid is added to the tub 2, lt'

will flow into the chamber 7 and fill the chamber and tub to the same level. The top of the tub may be provided with a balance ring 8 to help steady the tub when it is rotated at high speed.

The casing 6 is rigidly mounted within an appearance cabinet 9 which includes a cover 10 hingedly mounted on the top portion 11 of the cabinet for providing access through an opening 12 to tub 2. A gasket 13 is provided so as to form a seal between the top of the casing 6 and the portion 11 of the cabinet thereby to prevent escape of moisture and moist air into the cabinet around the casing.

There is a movably mounted agitator 14 extending upwardly within the center of the tub 2. In the present case the agitator includes a center post 15 and a plurality of outwardly projecting vanes 16 and 17 which extend partially along the center post and are joined at their lower ends by an outwardly flared skirt 18. In the particular agitator illustrated, the vanes 16 extend further up the center post than do the vanes 17; however, this is for illustrative purposes only and the vanes may take any one of many desired shapes.

Tub 2 and agitator 14 are rotatably mounted. The tub 2 is mounted on a flange 19 of a rotatable hub 20 and the agitator 14 is mounted on a shaft (not shown) which extends upwardly through the hub 20 and through the center post 15 and is secured to the agitator to drive it. During operation of the machine the agitator is caused to oscillate about its aXis, that is, in a horizontal plane within the tub 2, to cause a washing action of fabrics within the machine. The agitator 14 and the tub 2 are rotated together at high speed for contrifugal extraction of liquid from the fabrics within the machine.

Tub 2 and agitator 14 may be driven through any suitable means. By way of example they are shown as,

driven from a reversible motor 21 through a system including a suitable load limiting clutch 22 mounted on the motor shaft. A belt 23 transmits power from the clutch 22 to a transmission assembly 24 through a pulley 25.

Thus, depending upon the direction of motor rotation, the pulley 25 and transmission 24 are driven in opposite directions. Transmission 24 is so arranged that it supports and drives both the agitator drive shaft and the basket mounting hub 20. When the motor rotates in one direction the transmision causes the agitator to oscillate about its axis and whenthe motor rotates in the other direction the transmission rotates the tub 2 and agitator 14 together at high speed for centrifugal liquid extraction. While the specific type of transmission mechanism used does not form part of the invention, reference is made to Pat. 2,844,225 issued to James R. Hubbard et al. on July 22, 1958 and owned by General Electric Company, assignee of the present invention. That patent discloses in detail the structural characteristics of a transmission suitable for use in the illustrated machine.

In addition to operating the transmission 24, the motor 21 also provides a direct drive through a flexible coupling 26 to a pump structure, generally indicated at 27, which may include two separate pump units 28 and 29, both operated in the same direction simultaneously by the motor 21. Pump 28 has an inlet connected by a conduit 30 to an opening 31 formed at the lowermost point of casing 6. Pump 28 also has an outlet which is connected by a conduit 32 to a suitable drain (not shown). Pump 29 has an inlet connected by a conduit 33 to the interior of the chamber 7 and an outlet connected by a conduit 34 to a nozzle 35. The pump structure 27 is formed so that, in the spin direction of motor rotation, pump 28 will draw liquid from the chamber 7 through the opening 31 and conduit 30 and then discharge it through the conduit 32 to drain. In the other direction of motor rotation, pump 29 will draw liquid from chamber 7 through the conduit 33 and discharge it through the conduit 34 and nozzle 35. Each of the pump units 28 and 29 is sub stantially inoperative in the direction of rotation in which it is not used. The particular form of the pump structure 27 is not significant; rather pump structure 27 is representative of any structure capable of passing liquid selectively out through one outlet or another, whether by usev of one pump with suitable Valving, a combination structure or two pumps.

It may be desirable that rotation of tub 2 and agitator 14 for centrifugal extraction of liquid from fabrics within the machine be delayed a sufiicient period of time during each extraction step for the pump 28 to lower the level of standing liquid within the chamber 7 at least to below the bottom wall 3 of the tub 2. Applicants Pat. 3,131,797, issued on May 5, 1964, and Pat. 3,197,982, issued on Aug. 3, 1965 to Joseph C. Worst, both assigned to General Electric Company, assignee of the present invention, disclose details of structural characteristics of clutches which will provide a suitable delay in the high speed rotation of tube 2 and agitator 14 so that pump 28 can lower the level of liquid in the chamber 7.

The motor 21, clutch 22, transmission 24, tub 2 and agitator 14 form a suspended washing and centrifuging system which is supported by the stationary structure of the machine so as to permit isolation of vibration from the stationary structure. One such suitable structure includes a bracket member 36 with the transmission 24 mounted on the top thereof and the motor 21 mounted on the underside thereof. A suitable counterweight 37 may also be mounted to the underside of the bracket 36 to help balance the loading of the bracket. The bracket in turn is secured to a pair of upwardly extending rigid members 38 and each of the two upwardly extending members 38 is connected to a cable (not shown) supported from the top of the machine. While only a portion of the suspension system is shown, such a vibration system is fully described and claimed in applicants Pat. 2,987,190, issued on June 6, 1961, and assigned to General Electric Company, assignee of the present invention.

In order to accommodate the movement which occurs between the tub 2 and casing 6 without any danger of liquid leaking between them, the stationary casing 6 is joined to the upper part of transmission 24 by a flexible boot member 39. Boot 39 may be of any suitable con figuration, many of which are known in the art, to permit relative motion of the parts to which it is joined without leakage therebetween.

Hot and cold water may be supplied to the machine through conduits 40 and 41, which are adapted to be connected respectively to sources of hot and cold water (not shown). Conduits 40 and 41 extend into a conventional mixing valve structure 42 having solenoids 43 and 44. Energization of solenoid 4'3 permits passage of hot water through the valve to an inlet hose 45, energization of solenoid 44 permits passage of cold water through the valve, and energization of both solenoids permits mixing of hot and cold water in the valve and passage of warm 4 water into the hose 45. The inlet hose 45 is connected to a discharge horn 46, which is positioned to discharge into the tub 2 so that, when one or both of the solenoids 43 and 44 are energized, water passes into the tub 2 and chamber 7.

In order to be able to wash two loads simultaneously without intermixing the washing and rinsing liquid inside the tub 2 so that noncompatible fabrics may be washed simultaneously, there is provided an inner, substantially imperforate, open top tub 47 to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed in that liquid. The tub 47 includes an inner wall 48, which is channeled as indicated at 49 along its radially inner portion and curves outwardly at the bottom so as to fit closely around the agitator 14 and be driven thereby as the agitator is oscillated and rotated during a sequence of operation of the machine. The tub 47 also includes a generally cylindrical outer wall 50 which extends upwardly and defines a top opening 51 by means of an inwardly facing annular flange 52 extending around the top of the wall 50.

A number of small vanes 53 extend from the wall 50 to aid in providing a suitable washing motion to the liquid and fabrics in the outer tub 2 when the inner tub 47 is in the machine. The diameter of the inner tub 47 is made substantially less than the diameter of the outer tub 2 so that each tub may have a suitable volume separate from the other to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed in that liquid. In the machine illustrated, the inner tub 47 does not completely cover the vanes 16 and 17 so that their lower tips assist in causing a washing motion in the outer tub.

The upper portion of wall 50 slants inwardly as indicated at 54 and this inwardly slanting portion is provided with a number of recesses 55 which continue in a more vertical fashion and are spaced circumferentially around the Wall 50. Each of these recesses terminates in an upwardly extending pipe 56. The upper end of each pipe 56 is joined to a return bent, generally vertically extending tube 57 of stifily resilient material so that each pipe and tube together form a conduit 58. Each conduit 58 has an inlet 59 in the upper portion of the inner tub 47 and an outlet 60 which opens outwardly above the top of the tub 47.

The water inlet horn 46 and recirculation nozzle 35 are both formed and positioned so that the streams of liquid discharged therefrom flow in paths which bring them into register with the open upper end 51 of the inner tub 47. There is provided a suitable cover structure 61 which fits within the opening 51 and allows the stream of inlet water from the horn 46 to flow into the tub 47 until it is full and then diverts the stream into the tub 2 and chamber 7. Thus, the same inlet mechanism normally used with single tub washing machines may be used in machines for simultaneously washing two loads of fabrics. The cover structure also functions to direct the stream of recirculated liquid from nozzle 35 back into the tub 2 without any of it flowing into the tub 47 so that a normal recirculation type filtering system may be used in machines which will simultaneously wash two loads.

The cover structure includes a cup like center portion 62 which fits over the top of the agitator post 15 and an annular inner wall 63 extending downwardly around the agitator center post and into the upper end of the tub 47. The cover structure also includes a series of vertically spaced, generally horizontally extending walls. The upper of these walls 64 extends radially outwardly from the annular wall 63. An intermediate wall 65 is spaced slightly below the upper wall and with its outer periphery beyond the edge or periphery of the upper wall 64. This outer periphery of the middle wall 65 includes a downwardly extending flange 66 and a short horizontally extending flange 67. The flanges 66 and 67 fit in liquid tight relationship with a gasket 68. The gasket in turn mounts in liquid tight relationship with the flange 52 on the upper end of the tub 47 so that the outer edge of the cover structure is in liquid tight relationship with the upper edge of the tub 47. At its inner edge the wall 65 terminates slightly outwardly of the inner wall 63. A lower wall 69 extends outwardly from the inner wall 63 slightly below the middle wall 65 and is formed at its radially outer edge with a short, downwardly extending flange 70, which is spaced slightly inwardly of the flange 66. Intermediate wall 65 is maintained in its vertically spaced relationship to the walls 64 and 69 by circumferentially spaced webs 71. These webs extend between the walls 64 and 65 and are connected thereto so as to support the wall 65 from the wall 64. As indicated by the drawing, the cover structure can be formed from a number of separate elements which are firmly joined together to make a unitary structure.

A labyrinth passage is formed in and extending through the cover structure. This passage extends between the upper wall 64 and intermediate wall 65, around the inner edge of the wall 65, then between the wall 65 and lower wall 69 and finally downwardly between the flanges 66 and 67. When the cover structure 61 is mounted over the agitator 14 and in the inner tub 47, at least the lower portion of this passage is positioned within the tub 47 and well below the upper limit of the outlet conduits 58. With such an arrangement the inlet water flowing from the horn 46 will impinge upon the cover structure 61. Initially this water will flow through the labyrinth pas sage into the tub 47. This flow continues until the liquid in the tub 47 rises to the level of the labyrinth passage. When this occurs no further flow through the passage is possible and the inlet water is diverted outwardly over the cover structure to flow into the outer tub 2 and chamber 7 to fill these to the desired level, at which time the inlet water flow will be terminated.

Similarly, since the inner tu-b 47 is full during periods of agitation, the stream of recirculated liquid being emitted from the nozzle 35 onto the cover will be directed outwardly over the cover structure 61 andback into the tub 2 and chamber 7 without any of it entering the inner tub 47, due to the seal formed by the full labyrinth passage. The webs or vanes 71 also act as pumps to insure that none of the liquid leaks through the labyrinth into the tub 47.

In order to filter lint and other foreign matter from the recirculated stream of liquid, the cover structure may also include a pan like filter having a generally horizontal lower wall 72 and an upwardly extending side wall 73. The lower wall 72 is spaced above the upperwall 64 and is formed with a plurality of openings 74 so that liquid entering the filter will flow thorugh the openings 74 in the filter and fall into the upper wall 64.

In order to insure that, during centrifugal extraction periods of operation, none of the liquid from the inner tub impinges upon the fabrics in the other tub, the outer tub is provided with a guide structure to cooperate with the conduits 58 for directing water from the inner tub over the top of the outer tub. To this end a first wall 75 extends inwardly and downwardly from the top edge of the outer tub 2 and underlies the outlets 60 of the conduits 58. The liquid exiting from the conduits 58 during centrifugal extraction will strike the walls 75 and be guided to the top of the tub 2. The inner end of the wall 75 is formed with an upturned flange 76 which is positioned inwardly of the outlets 60 so that any liquid dropping from the conduits 58 at the end of an extraction cycle or spraying out during agitation will be caught by the flange 76 and prevented from dropping into the outer tub 2. A second wall 77 extends around and is spaced above the top edge of the tub 2. The wall 77 is supported above the tub 2 by some suitable means such as circumferentially spaced, small posts 78 which extend from the top of the tub 2 and engage the wall 77. The wall 77 includes a first portion 79 which extends inwardly and downwardly into the tub 2 parallel to and spaced from the wall 75 and terminates outwardly of the end of the tubes 57. The wall 77 also includes a second portion 80 which extends outwardly and downwardly outside the tub 2. Thus the liquid exiting from the conduit 58 and directed upwardly by the wall 75 will be directed over the top of the tub 2 by the wall portion 79 and then out wardly and downwardly into the chamber 7 away from the tub 2 and the wall portion 80.

The level to which water rises in the tub 2 and chamber 7 may be controlled by any suitable liquid level sens ing means. One typical arrangement for doing this is to provide an opening 81 in the side of the casing 6 adjacent the bottom thereof, the opening 81 being connected through a conduit 82 and a tube 83 to a pressure sensitive switch generally indicated at 84. The pressure switch includes a diaphragm 85 and a switch element 86, which may be housed in a backsplasher 87 provided on top of the machine to receive various control elements. In a conventional manner, as the water rises in the tub 2 and chamber 7, it exerts an increasing pressure on the air trapped in the tube 83 and, at a predetermined height of water in the tub and easing, the pressure of the trapped air will be suflicient to deflect the diaphragm 85 and actuate the switch 86.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an electrical control circuit for the machine of FIG. 1 will be described. -In connection with the circuit of FIG. 2, it will be understood that present :day washing machines often include various improvements such as multiple speed mechanisms, control panel lights, various dispensing controls, etc., which do not relate in any way to the present invention and these have been omitted to some extent for the sake of simplicity and ease of understanding.

In order to control the sequence of operations of various components of machine '1, the circuit includes a sequence operational means which incorporates a timer motor 90 driving a plurality of cams 91, 92, 93 and 94 (as shown in FIG. 2). These cams, during their rotation by the timer motor, acuate various switches (as will be described), causing the machine to pass through an appropriate cycle of operation, first washing the fabrics, next extracting the water from them by centrifuging, then rinsing the fabrics in clean water, and finally centrifug ing the rinse water from the fabrics. The timer motor and earns may also be rotated by a manual control 96, which is physically located on the backsplasher so the user may, by rotating the manual control, set the cams to cause a sequence of operation to begin.

The electric circuit as a whole is energized from a power supply (not shown) through a pair of conductors 97 and 98. Cam 91 controls a switch 99 which includes contacts 100, 101 and 102. When the cam has assumed a position where all three contacts are separated, the machine 1 is disconnected from the power source and is inoperative. When operation of machine 1 is to be initiated, as will be explained below, switch 99 is controlled by cam 91 so that contacts 100 and 101 are engaged. When a main switch 103 is closed, as by pushing in on the manual control 96, power is then provided to control circuit of the machine from the conductor 97 through the contacts 100 and 101.

From contact 101 the circuit extends through a conductor 104, a manually movable contact 105 to an inlet water temperature control circuit. When the inner tub 47 is used, the user places movable contact 105 into engagement with a stationary contact 106 and, when the inner tub is not to be used, the user places the movable contact into engagement with a stationary contact 107. From stationary contact 107, a conductor 108 extends to arm 109 of a double pole double throw switch 110 having a second arm 1-11 and controlled by cam 92. Another conductor 112 extends from the stationary contact 106 to the movable contact 113 of a low level liquid sensitive switch 114. The switch 114 may be physically mounted on the lower wall of the casing 6 and include a diaphragm 1 15 which responds to a very low level of liquid in the chamber 7 to move the contact 113 from a stationary contact 116 to a stationary contact 117. The stationary contact 117 is connected to the conductor 108 and thus the arm 109 of the switch 110 while the contact 116 is connected by a conductor 118 to the other arm 111 of the switch 110.

The arm 109 is movable by the cam 92 between a stationary contact 119 and a stationary contact 120. A conductor 121 leads from the contact 119 to a first manual temperature selection mechanism including a first or hot water switch 122 which, when closed, is connected through a conductor 123 to the hot water solenoid 43 and a second or cold water switch 124 which, when closed, is connected through a conductor 125 to cold water solenoid 44. The contact 120 is connected by a conductor 126 to a second water temperature selection mechanism including a hot water switch 127 which, when closed, is connected to the conductor 123 and hot water solenoid 43; and a cold water switch 128 which, when closed, is connected to conductor 125 and the cold water solenoid 44.

In a similar manner, the arm 1 11 of the double pole switch 110 is movable between stationary contacts 129 and 130. A conductor 131 connects the contact 129 to a third temperature selection mechanism including a hot water switch 132 which, when closed, is connected to the conductor 123 and hot water solenoid 43 and a cold water switch 133 which, when closed, is connected to the conductor 125 and cold water solenoid 44. The stationary contact 130 similarly is connected by a conductor 134 to a fourth temperature selection mechanism including a hot water switch 135 which, when closed, is connected to the conductor 123 and hot water solenoid 43 and a cold water switch 136 which, when closed, is connected to the conductor 125 and cold water solenoid 44.

With this arrangement, when movable contact 105 is in engagement with stationary contact 106, the circuit to the temperature control solenoids will be completed through movable contact 113 and stationary contact 116 to the switch arm 111 and then through either the third or fourth water selection mechanism to the solenoids, depending upon the position of the double pole double throw switch 110, until a rather low level of water builds up in the chamber 7. At this time, the diaphragm 115 moves the contact 113 to engagement with a contact 117. After this, the water temperature control solenoids are connected from the contact 117 through the arm 109 of the double pole switch and either the first or the second water selection mechanism, again depending upon the position of the switch 110. Cam 92 causes the switch 110 to be in the position shown during the filling operation for wash and moves the switch to its down position,

that is, with contacts 109 and 111 in engagement and contacts 120 and 130 during the filling operation for rinse steps. With this arrangement separate temperatures may be pre-selected for filling the inner tub 47 for both wash and rinse and the outer tub 2 and chamber 7 for both wash and rinse. The temperature selection will be changed from one selection mechanism to another in response to the fill water being diverted into the outer tub 2 and chamber 7.

From the hot and cold water solenoids, the energizing circuit extends through a conductor 137, through the timer motor 90 and switch 103 to conductor 98. A circuit is completed in parallel with motor 90 from conductor 137 through a coil 138 of a relay 139, the main winding 140 of the motor 21, a switch 141 controlled by cam 94 and switch 103 to conductor 98. The motor 21 is of a conventional type which is provided with a start winding .142 which is energized in parallel with main winding 140 to assist the main winding during starting of the motor. When a relatively high current passes through the relay coil 138; it causes the relay contact 143 to be closed; this permits an energizing circuit for the start winding to be completed in parallel with the main winding from contact 146 of a switch which is generally indicated at 147 and is controlled by cam 93, contact arm 148, the relay contact 143, the start winding 142, contact arm 149, and contact 150 of switch 147.

Relay coil 138 is designed to close contact 143 when a relatively high current, of a level demanded by the motor when it is rotating below a predetermined speed, is passing through it. At other times, when there is no current passing through the relay coil 138 or when the current is no longer at the energizing level, as is true in the running speed range of the motor, the contact 143 is open.

When cam 93 moves the movable contact arms 148 and 149 from the position shown, arm 148 moves into engagement with contact 150 and arm 149 moves into engagement with a third stationary contact 151. When this occurs, the switch 147 is set to connect the start winding 142 in parallel with the main winding 140, but with the polarity of the start winding reversed with respect to the main winding. With this setting, the circuit for the start winding extends from conductor 137 through contact 151, arm 149, winding, start winding 142, relay contact 143, arm 148, and contact 150 to the switch 141.

With the motor 21 connected in series with the valve solenoids 43 and 44, as described above, a much lower impedance is presented in the circuit by the motor 21 than is presented by the valve solenoids. As a result, the greater portion of the supply voltage is taken up across the solenoids and relatively little across the motor. This causes whichever of the solenoids is connected in the circuit to be energized sufliciently to open its associated water valve. As a result, water at a selected temperature is admitted to the machine through inlet horn 46, with motors 21 and 90 remaining inactive. This action continues with the circuitry thus arranged so that water pours into the machine 1. Water eventually enters into the tub 2 and chamber 7 either after the inner tub 47 has been filled and the water is diverted by the cover structure 61 or from the beginning of the fill operation, when the inner tub 47 has not been placed into the machine. The water then will rise in both the tub 2 and chamber 7, as a result of the openings 5 in the tub. As the water rises in the casing, the head of water acting on the air trapped in the tube 83 increases. The pressure of this air increases until it deflects the diaphragm and actuates the switch 86 of the water level switch mechanism 84 provided within the backsplasher 87. When switch 86 closes, it then provides a short circuit across the solenoids directly from the conductor 104 to the conductor 137 so that, with the solenoids thus excluded from effective circuit, they become de-energized and a high potential drop is provided across the motor 21. This causes the relay coil 138 to close the contact 143, to start the motor 21, while at the same time, the timer motor starts so as to initiate the sequence of operations. Thus the energization of the solenoids 43 and 44 and the energization of the drive motor 21 are alternative in nature.

Completing the description of the circuit of FIG. 2 prior to describing any further operation of the machine, it will be seen that switch 141 is in series with the main motor, but is not in series with the timing motor 90. Thus, by opening this switch, the operation of the motor 21 is stopped. The timer motor will nonetheless continue to operate as a result of the fact that the timer motor is deliberately provided with an impedance much greater than that of the valve solenoids so that it will take up most of the supply voltage and will continue in operation, leaving so little voltage across the solenoids that they do not operate their respective valves.

In order to energize the motor 21 independently of the water level switch 84 and the valve solenoids, so that a spin or centrifugal extraction operation may be provided without regard to the absence of a predetermined water level, cam 91 is formed so that it may close all the contacts 100, 101 and 102 of switch 99 during centrifugal liquid extraction steps. This causes power to be supplied from conductor 97 directly through contact 102 to conductor 137 and the motors rather than through the water level switch or the water temperature control sub-circuit.

Assuming that it is desired to use both the inner tub and the outer tub to wash two separate loads, the user will move contact 105 into engagement with contact 106, then will close selected ones of the switches 122, 124, 127, 128, 132, 133, 135 and 136 to pre-select the temperature of water provided to the inner tub and to the outer tub during both wash and rinse. For instance, if the user closes switch 122 and not 124, hot water will be provided to the outer tub during wash fill, if the user closes switch 124 and not 122, cold water will be provided to the outer tub during wash fill and, if the user closes both switches 122 and 124, warm water will be provided to the outer tub during wash fill. In a similar manner, switches 132 and 133 are used to control the temperature of the water provided to the inner tub during wash fill; switches 127 and 128 are used to control the temperature of the water provided to the outer tub during rinse fill and switches 135 and 136 are used to control the temperature of the water provided to the inner tub during rinse fill. Thus the user can independently select four different pre-determined water temperature settings. There is a different setting for the inner and the outer tub for both wash and rinse and these settings may be for hot, cold or warm water independently of the other settings.

The user then will pull out on manual control 96, opening switch 103 to insure that the entire circuit is tie-energized, and rotate the manual control 96 sufficiently that the cam 91 closes contacts 100 and 101, cam 93 moves arms 148 and 149 into engagement with contacts 146 and 150 respectively, cam 92 moves arms 109 and 111 into engagement with contacts 119 and 129 respectively, and cam 94 closes switch 141. This sets the machine for operation so that when the user pushes in on manual control 96 the machine will start and automatically proceed through a sequence of operation. For purposes of illustration, it will be assumed that switches 122, 128, 132, 133, 135 and 136 have been closed.

The first step which takes place is the filling of the inner tub with water of a preselected temperature. The circuit is completed from conductor 97 through contacts 100 and 101 to conductor 104, then through contacts 105 and 106, conductor 112, movable contact 113 and stationary contact 116 to conductor 118 and movable arm 111. Arm 111 is in engagement with contact 129 so as to be connected through conductor 131 to switches 132 and 133. With both of these switches closed, both of the water inlet solenoids 43 and 44 are energized and warm water is provided to the inner tub 47. Warm water continues to flow in through inlet horn 46 onto the cover structure 61 and into the inner tub 47 until the inner tub is filled, at which time the labyrinth passage through the cover is closed and the water is diverted into the outer tub 2 and the chamber 7. Very quickly water collects in the bottom of the chamber and covers the liquid sensitive switch 114. At an extremely low level of water, the diaphragm 115 moves the movable contact 113 from the stationary contact 116 to the stationary contact 117. This shifts the circuit for the solenoids from conductor 118 to conductor 108. This circuit is completed through movable arm 109, contact 119 and conductor 121 to the switches 122 and 124. Since, in the illustrative case, only switch 122 is closed, only valve solenoid 43 will be energized and only hot water thereafter will be provided to the outer tub 2 and chamber 7. This hot water is provided until the level in the outer tub and chamber rises to a point sufficient to close the water level switch 86. As previously explained, the energization of the solenoids causes the motors 21 and 90 to remain inactive and this status continues until the switch 86 closes. The closing of switch 86 effectively shorts the solenoids 43 and 44 and effectively disconnects them from the circuit so that motors 21 and 90 are energized, the energization of motor 21 being in the direction to cause an agitation operation, because of switch 147.

This agitation or washing action continues for a prede termined period of time, after which cam '94 opens switch -141. This stops the operation of the motor 21 while the timer motor 90 continues to operate. During this pause cam 93 moves contacts 148 and 149 from contacts 146 and 150 to contacts 150 and 151 respectively and cam 91 causes all three contacts of switch 99 to be engaged, that is, a circuit is complete from conductor 97 to the conductor 137 through the contacts 100, 101 and 102 of the switch 99. When these changes have been effected, cam 94 re-closes switch 141. Motor 21 then is re-energized, but with the relative polarity of its windings reversed. The motor will begin to rotate in the other direction for eventually causing the agitator and tubs to rotate together at high speed to centrifugally extract liquid from the fabric. However, initially, the clutch 22 is effective to delay the rotation of the transmission while the pump unit 28 is immediately started to pump water out of the chamber 7. The clutch delays the operation of the transmission 24 for a suflicient period of time that the pump unit 28 is effective to bring the level of water in chamber 7 at least to a point below the bottom wall 3 of the tub 2. Then, the inner and outer tubs and the agitator are accelerated and rotate together at high speed to centrifugally extract the water from the fabrics. When the water level in the chamber 7 has been reduced sufficiently, the water level switch 86 opens; however, this has no effect on the operation because the water solenoids are shorted by the contacts of the switch 99. The centrifugal extraction operation continues for a predetermined period and then cam 94 again opens switch 141 to cause a second pause.

During this second pause, cam 91 is effective to open contact 102 of switch 99, cam 92 reverses the position of switch so that arm 109 engages contact and arm 111 engages contact and cam '93 again reverses the position of switch 147. Then cam 49 re-close switch 141. This causes a second or rinse fill operation as described above, except that the water selection circuit now initially goes from arm 111 through contact 130 and conductor 134 to the switches and 136. Since switches 135 and 136 are both closed, warm rinse water is provided to the inner tub 47 until it is filled and the water is diverted into the outer tub. This again causes the arm 113 to move from contact 116 to contact 117 so that the circuit is switched from conductor 118 to conductor 108 and arm 109. Arm 109 is in engagement with contact 120 to complete the circuit through conductor 126 to the switches 127 and 128. In this case only switch 128 is closed so that cold water is provided to the outer tub and chamber 7. This continues until the pro-selected water level in the outer tub and chamber is reached, closing water level switch 86 to short out the water temperature solenoids and energize the motor 21 for a rinse agitation period of operation. At the end of this predetermined period of operation switch 41 is again opened and the cams cause the various switches to be reset for a second centrifugal extraction operation. Then cam '94 recloses switch 141 to start the machine to extract the rinse liquid from the fabrics as described above for the wash extraction. The second extraction period of operation continues for a predetermined period of time after which cam 91 causes contacts 100, 101, and 102 to separate so as to completely de-energize the machine.

If the inner tub 47 is not to be used during a washing operation, the movable contact 105 is engaged with stationary contact 107. This means that regardless of the position of the movable contact 113, the energizing circuit for the water level solenoid will always be through conductor 108 and arm 109. Thus, the user selects the wash temperature with switches 122 and 124 and the rinse temperature with switches 127 and 128. This prevents any alteration of the selected water temperature for the outer tub 2 because of the small amount which would enter the tub before the switch 113 is moved from contact 116 to contact 117. Such an arrangement is desirable because, although water level switch 84 is shown as a single level device, which would normally close to deenergize the solenoids when the outer tub 2 and chamber 7 are substantially full, this device is often a multilevel control so that the user may select varying levels of water including a very low level of water in the outer tub. When the inner tub is not being used, the user may desire to utilize such a low level. Therefore, even the small amount of water required to actuate switch 114 might make a substantial change in the operating temperature within the outer tub.

The foregoing is a description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention and it is applicants intention in the appended claims to cover all forms which come within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a vertical axis washing machine:

(a) an outer, open top tub to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed in that liquid;

(b) an inner, substantially imperforate, open top tub disposed within said outer tub to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed in that liquid;

(c) drive means for effecting a washing action in said tubs and for rotating said tubs t0 centrifugally extract liquid from the fabrics;

(d) liquid inlet means, including diverter means, for directing a stream of liquid into said inner tub until it is filled to a predetermined level and, thereafter, directing the stream of liquid into said outer tub;

(e) control means for controlling the temperature of liquid flowing through said inlet means; said control means having a first setting eifective to provide liquid of a first temperature and a second setting effective to provide liquid of a second temperature; and

(f) liquid sensing means positioned to sense entry of liquid into said outer tub, said sensing means being connected to said control means and responsive to entry of liquid into said outer tub to cause said con trol means to be switched from the first to the second setting;

(g) whereby the temperature of the liquid provided to each tub is independently controlled.

2. The invention as set forth in claim 1 further including means defining a chamber with said outer tub being mounted in said chamber; said outer tub defining a plu rality of openings therein so that said chamber is filled with liquid concurrently with said outer tub; and said liquid sensing means being positioned to sense entry of liquid into said chamber.

3. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said control means includes a first valve for connection to a source of liquid of a first temperature and a second valve for connection to a source of liquid of a second temperature; a circuit for connecting said valves to a source of energy for operating said valves; first selection means connectable in said circuit for selectively connecting said valves to the energy source to provide liquid of a first selected temperature and second selection means connect able in said circuit for selectively connecting said valves to the energy source to provide liquid of a second selected temperature; said sensing means being connected in said circuit so as to switch said circuit from said first to said second selection means in response to entry of liquid into said outer tub.

4. The invention as set forth in claim 3, wherein said inner tub is removable from said outer tub; and said circuit includes means for selectively bypassing said liquid sensing means to continuously connect said second selection means in said circuit when said inner tub has been removed.

5. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

(a) said control means includes a first valve for connection to a source of liquid of a first temperature and a second valve for connection to a source of liquid of a second temperature; first selection means connectable in said circuit for selectively connecting said valves to the energy source to provide liquid of a first selected temperature; second selection means connectable in said circuit for selectively connecting said valves to the energy source to provide liquid of a second selected temperature; third selection means connectable in said circuit for selectively connecting said valves to the energy source to provide liquid of a third selected temperature; fourth selection means connectable in said circuit for selectively connecting said valves to the energy source to provide liquid of a fourth selected temperature;

(b) said machine also includes sequence operational means for causing said machine to proceed through a sequence of operation including a wash step and a rinse step; said sequence operational means including first and second circuit means, said first circuit means being connected to said first selection means during the wash step and said third selection means during the rinse step, said second circuit means being connected to said second selection means during the wash step and said fourth selection means during the rinse step; and

(c) said sensing means is efiective initially to connect only said first circuit means to the source of energy and is responsive to entry of liquid into said outer tub to disconnect said first circuit means from and connect said second circuit means to the source of energy;

(d) whereby the temperature of the liquid provided to each tub is independently controlled for both the wash and rinse steps.

6. The invention as set forth in claim 5, wherein said inner tub is removable from said outer tub; said machine including means for selectively bypassing said sensing means to continuously connect said second circuit means to the source of energy when said inner tub has been removed.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,324,688 6/1967 Hubbard 684 WILLIAM I. PRICE, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 68-12, 27 

